Giovanni Francesco Anerio

Giovanni Francesco Anerio was the younger brother of Felice and a composer. His methods were much more innovative and diverse than Felice's. Giovanni's music could find a place with Palestrina, Neri, and his abilities took him as far as influencing Tarditi and Quagliati. Many of his works are rhythmically lively but also include qualitative differences from conventional music. These characteristics included but were not limited to, feelings being conveyed in the melodic line, repetition as a cohesive element (not necessarily but possibly including a cantus firmus), and the first use of "required" instrumentation in central Italy. Anerio's works include "Sommo re delle stelle," "Selva armonica," "Teatro armonico spirituale" (the first oratorio written in the language of the people), and "La conversione di S Paolo." ~ Keith Johnson